Hitzfeld warns Guardiola: Expectations are high

The former Bayern Munich boss believes there is a "hype" building around the ex-Barcelona coach's arrival which may prove difficult to live up to

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has warned Pep Guardiola he faces a tough task in living up to fans' expectations when he takes over at Bayern Munich.

The former Barcelona boss was the most sought-after man in football after he announced his wish to return to coaching after his year-long sabbatical, and it was the Bundesliga leaders who ultimately secured a deal for his services earlier in the winter.

Bayern fans have been eagerly anticipating both the brand of football and the potential for success under the 42-year-old, but former coach Hitzfeld has warned that current boss Jupp Heynckes could ultimately prove to be a tough act to follow.

"There is a hype around Guardiola. The expectations are rising exponentially," he was quoted as saying by Bild.

"The fans expect him not only to win, but also to play dream football. But if Jupp Heynckes now wins the treble with Bayern, it will be difficult for Guardiola to enter as the expectations will be even greater."

Bayern have been strongly linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, but Hitzfeld says the striker is the type of player Guardiola would not wish to sign.

"The issue with Lewandowski brings unrest in Munich!" he added.

"If he comes, there will definitely be one striker too many. Guardiola preferred a system without a centre-forward, and with small, agile strikers. Even with [Samuel] Eto'o and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, he couldn't get on."